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Studs

There are two matters where I wonder whether I’m alone as a ref...
First, studs! Almost every game I am coming across studs that don’t comply with World Rugby regulation 12, particularly i see edged rather than rounded studs and studs with a narrow tip. Pedantic or safety conscious?

Re: Studs

Originally Posted by Alastair

There are two matters where I wonder whether I’m alone as a ref...
First, studs! Almost every game I am coming across studs that don’t comply with World Rugby regulation 12, particularly i see edged rather than rounded studs and studs with a narrow tip. Pedantic or safety conscious?

Non rounded studs are not illegal.

In my opinion studs that are narrower than 10mm at the tip are illegal and I don't allow them. Some others disagree.

Re: Studs

We've had a purge on it here in Zummerzet over the last couple of seasons and now only struggle with "in-coming teams". The Nike (running spikes) studs that come in the FOOTBALL boots are a no no for me as are some of the Under Armour studs.

Re: Studs

You are the referee and the "Sole judge of Fact". If you deem the studs to be dangerous then advise the player that you find the footwear unacceptable as, in your opinion, they compromise the safety of other players. Bet that replacements are found pretty darned quickly.

Don't fall for the 'Last week's ref allowed them" BS either, because you weren't their referee the week previous

Re: Studs

Just been in Sports Direct at lunchtime. I had concerns with just about every pair of “soccer” boots. Sharp edges and pointed corners are almost universal. What concerned me most was the flat base on the studs on Canterbury rugby boots. Regulation 12 is very specific about the radius stating:

All edges of the studs/cleats should be finished smooth and rounded to a radius of not less than 1mm.

I see no benefit in Canterbury making the base flat and this will result in a sharper edge which does not comply with Reg 12. If we cannot rely on Canterbury selling rugby boots with compliment studs then we have little hope.